The Applied Water Management team custom designed an on-site, 25,000 gpd (gallons per day) wastewater system located in the basement of the Solaire. Photo by Applied Water Management/American Water Click here to enlarge image When designing the Solaire’s water reuse system and other water conservation measures, the BPCA met all of these guidelines and, in turn, enabled the building to qualify for New York State Green Building tax credits. Additionally, The New York City Department of Environmental Protection Comprehensive Water Reuse Program offers a 25 percent reduction in water and sewer charges for buildings with reuse systems that reduce potable water consumption by at least 25 percent. Green Building Council, one of which focuses on Water Efficiency. These guidelines generally correspond with LEED criteria published by the U.S.

In 2000, the BPCA issued a set of Environmental Residential Guidelines, which established goals and standards for the creation of environmentally responsible residential buildings, such as the Solaire. The company’s Applied Water Management group designs, builds and operates decentralized water and wastewater treatment plants, focusing on water reuse and environmental sustainability. Carey Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) tapped American Water to develop the wastewater system, which began operation in January 2004. The system represents yet another milestone - the first urban, residential treated wastewater reuse application permitted in the USA. One of the Solaire’s most significant green components is a membrane bioreactor-based wastewater treatment and recycling system installed in the building’s basement. This sustainable urban project clearly demonstrates what can be done to reduce demand on public water infrastructure and water resources.

The Solaire high-rise apartment building in New York City reduced water consumption by 50 percent compared with other similar residentail buidlings unequipped with a water reclamation system. Incorporating multiple green components, including solar energy, roof gardens and Energy Star® appliances, the Solaire is the definitive model for modern, environmentally sustainable living. Soaring twenty-seven stories above the busy streets of lower Manhattan in New York City, stands the Solaire, the first “green,” high-rise apartment building in the USA.įeaturing 293 units ranging in size from studio to three bedrooms, the building is the first of its kind to receive a LEED Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council.

New york highrise city